Macromolecular antioxidants based on sterically hindered phenols and phosphites

ABSTRACT

Sterically hindered phenol and phosphite based compounds, represented by a formula selected from I-III:  
                 
and their use as antioxidants in a wide range of materials including, but not limited to, food, plastics, elastomers, composites and petroleum based products is disclosed herein.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/731,021, filed on Oct. 27, 2005. The entire teachings of the above application(s) are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Antioxidants are employed to prevent oxidation in a wide range of materials, for example, plastics, elastomers, lubricants, petroleum based products (lubricants, gasoline, aviation fuels, and engine oils), cooking oil, cosmetics, processed food products, and the like. While many small molecule antioxidants exist, there is a continuing need for new antioxidants that have improved properties.

The commercial use of triaryl phophites in latex is well known. Triaryl phophites containing alkyl-substituted phenyl rings have been found to be effective synthetic latex stabilizers. However, there is a continuing need for antioxidants with higher antioxidant activity and higher thermal stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to high performance, sterically hindered, phenol and phosphite based macromolecular antioxidants. In certain embodiments, the sterically hindered, phenol and phosphite based macromolecules of the present invention have enhanced antioxidant activity and better thermal stability compared to commercially available antioxidants.

In particular, the present invention pertains to sterically hindered phenol and phosphite based compounds represented by a formula selected from I-III:

R is:

R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl, an optionally substituted aryl or an optionally substituted aralkyl.

X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —O—, —NH—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—.

n and m in each occurrence, is independently 0 or a positive integer.

i and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.

R″ is an optionally substituted alkyl.

In another embodiment, the present invention pertains to methods of preventing oxidation. The method comprises combining an oxidizable material with a compound represented by a structural formula selected from I-III.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention pertains to methods for preparing sterically hindered phenol and phosphite based compound, having a formula selected from I-III. The method comprises combining a phenol containing compound with a phosphorous containing compound, such as, phosphorous trichloride in a suitable solvent under conditions suitable for reaction of the phenol containing compound with the phosphorous containing compound.

In yet another embodiment the present invention pertains to the use of the disclosed compounds as antioxidants in a wide range of materials including, but not limited to, food, plastics, elastomers, composites and petroleum based products.

The compounds of the invention provide significant oxidative resistance and thermal stability. The compounds of the invention generally have higher oxidative induction time, higher thermal stability and lower change of Melt flow or viscosity than commercially available antioxidants Without wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that the enhanced molecular activity comes from the synergistic chemistry between the two main integral components (phenolic and phosphite components) of these macromolecular antioxidants.

In certain embodiments, the compounds disclosed herein, do not discolor the substance to which they are added. In certain other embodiments the compounds disclosed herein impart fewer odors to the substance to which they are added than currently available antioxidants. In certain other embodiments, the disclosed compounds provide enhanced oven aging properties to organic materials subject to attack by heat and oxygen. In certain other embodiments the disclosed compounds have higher antioxidant activity and higher thermal stability than antioxidants which are currently known or used in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, is a comparison of the Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) of one embodiment of the invention, namely, tris [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl),-3-(2,6-di-tert.-butyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionamide]phosphate, versus commercially available Irganox®.

FIG. 2 is the Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrum of tris [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl),-3-(2,6-di-tert.-butyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionamide]phosphate of the invention.

FIG. 3 is the Ultraviolet (UV) spectrum of tris [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl),-3-(2,6-di-tert.-butyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionamide]phosphate of the invention.

FIG. 4 is the Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) of tris [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl),-3-(2,6-di-tert.-butyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionamide]phosphate of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention pertains to sterically hindered phenol and phosphite based compounds, represented by a formula selected from I-III:

R is:

R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aralkyl. In one embodiment, each R₁ and R₂ are independently an optionally substituted alkyl. In another embodiment, each R₁ and R₂ are independently a C1-C6 alkyl.

In one embodiment R is:

In another embodiment R is:

In yet another embodiment R is:

X and Y in each occurrence independently is a bond, —O—, —NH—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—. In one embodiment, X and Y in each occurrence independently is a bond or —CH₂—. In another embodiment. X and Y in each occurrence independently is a bond, —O— or —CH₂—. In yet another embodiment, X and Y in each occurrence independently is a bond, —NH— or —CH₂—. In yet another embodiment, X and Y in each occurrence independently is a bond, —C(O)NH— or —CH₂—. In yet another embodiment, X and Y in each occurrence independently is a bond, —NHC(O)—, or —CH₂—. In yet another embodiment, X and Y in each occurrence independently is a bond, —C(O)O— or —CH₂—. In yet another embodiment, X and Y in each occurrence independently is a bond, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—.

n and m in each occurrence independently is 0 or a positive integer. In one embodiment, n and m in each occurrence independently is 0 to 18. In another embodiment, n and m in each occurrence independently is 0 to 12. In yet another embodiment, n and m are in each occurrence independently is 0 to 6.

i and j in each occurrence independently is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4. In one embodiment i and j in each occurrence independently is 0, 1 or 2. In a particular embodiment, i is 0. In another particular embodiment j is 2.

R″ is an optionally substituted alkyl. In one embodiment R″ is C1-C6 alkyl.

In one embodiment the present invention pertains to compounds represented by structural formula I.

In one embodiment the present invention pertains to compounds represented by structural formula II.

In one embodiment the present invention pertains to compounds represented by structural formula III.

In a particular embodiment, for compounds of the present invention represented by structural formulas I-III, R is:

and n and m in each occurrence independently is 0 to 12, and the remainder of the variables are as described above for structural formulas I-III.

In another particular embodiment, for compounds of the present invention represented by structural formulas I-III, R, n and m are as described immediately above, and R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl; i and j in each occurrence independently is 0, 1 or 2; and the remainder of the variables are as described above for structural formulas I-III.

In yet another particular embodiment, for compounds of the present invention represented by structural formulas I-III, R₁, R₂, i and j are as described immediately above, and R is:

n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 to 6; and the remainder of the variables are as described above for structural formulas I-III.

In another particular embodiment, for compounds of the present invention represented by structural formulas I-III, R₁, R₂, i, j, R, n and m are as described immediately above, and X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond or —CH₂—; and the remainder of the variables are as described above for structural formulas I-III.

In another particular embodiment, for compounds of the present invention represented by structural formulas I-III, R₁, R₂, i, j, R, n and m are as described immediately above, and X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —O— or —CH₂—; and the remainder of the variables are as described above for structural formulas I-III.

In another particular embodiment, for compounds of the present invention represented by structural formulas I-III, R₁, R₂, i, j, R, n and m are as described immediately above, and X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NH— or —CH₂—; and the remainder of the variables are as described above for structural formulas I-III.

In another particular embodiment, for compounds of the present invention represented by structural formulas I-III, R₁, R₂, i, j, R, n and m are as described immediately above, and X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)NH— or —CH₂—; and the remainder of the variables are as described above for structural formulas I-III.

In another particular embodiment, for compounds of the present invention represented by structural formulas I-III, R₁, R₂, i, j, R, n and m are as described immediately above, and X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NHC(O)—, or —CH₂—; and the remainder of the variables are as described above for structural formulas I-III.

In another particular embodiment, for compounds of the present invention represented by structural formulas I-III, R₁, R₂, i,j, R, n and m are as described immediately above, and X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)O— or —CH₂—; and the remainder of the variables are as described above for structural formulas I-III.

In another particular embodiment, for compounds of the present invention represented by structural formulas I-III, R₁, R₂, i, j, R, n and m are as described immediately above, and X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—; and the remainder of the variables are as described above for structural formulas I-III.

In an additional embodiment, for formulas I-III R is:

n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 or a positive integer. In one embodiment, n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 to 18. In another embodiment, n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 to 12. In yet another embodiment, n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 to 6.

i and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4. In one embodiment, i and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1 or 2. In a particular embodiment, i is 0. In another particular embodiment, j is 2.

Z′ is —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)—, —NH—, —CH═N—, —C(O)—, —O—, —S—, —C(O)OC(O)— or a bond. In one embodiment, Z′ is —C(O)O—. In another embodiment, Z′ is —OC(O)—. In yet another embodiment, Z′ is —C(O)NH—. In yet another embodiment, Z′ is —NHC(O)—. In yet another embodiment, Z′ is —NH—. In yet another embodiment, Z′ is —CH═N—. In yet another embodiment, Z′ is —C(O)—. In yet another embodiment, Z′ is —O—. In yet another embodiment, Z′ is —S—. In yet another embodiment, Z′ is —C(O)OC(O)—. In yet another embodiment, Z′ is a bond.

R′ is an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl, —OH, —NH₂, —SH, an optionally substituted aryl, an ester or

wherein at least one R′ adjacent to the —OH group is an optionally substituted bulky alkyl group (e.g., butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, 2-propyl, 1,1-dimethylhexyl, and the like).

R′₁ is an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl, an optionally substituted aryl, an optionally substituted aralkyl, —OH, —NH₂, —SH, or C1-C6 alkyl ester wherein at least one R₁ adjacent to the —OH group is a bulky alkyl group (e.g., butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, 2-propyl, 1,1-dimethylhexyl, and the like).).

R′₂ is an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl, an optionally substituted aryl, an optionally substituted aralkyl, —OH, —NH₂, —SH, or ester.

X′ is —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)—, —NH—, —CH═N—, —C(O)—, —O—, —S—, —C(O)OC(O)— or a bond. In one embodiment X′ is —C(O)O—. In another embodiment X′ is —OC(O)—. In yet another embodiment X′ is —C(O)NH—. In yet another embodiment X′ is —NHC(O)—. In yet another embodiment X′ is —NH—. In yet another embodiment X′ is —CH═N—. In yet another embodiment X′ is —C(O)—. In yet another embodiment X′ is —O—. In yet another embodiment X′ is —S—. In yet another embodiment X′ is —C(O)OC(O)—. In yet another embodiment X′ is a bond.

M′ is H, an optionally substituted aryl, an optionally substituted C1-C20 linear or branched alkyl chain with or without any functional group anywhere in the chain, or

o is 0 or a positive integer. Preferably o is 0 to 18. More preferably o is 0 to 12. Even more preferably o is 0 to 6.

In yet another embodiment, for formulas I-III R is:

R′₂ is C1-C6 alkyl, —OH, —NH₂, —SH, aryl, ester, aralkyl or

wherein at least one R′₂ is —OH, and the values and preferred values for the remainder of the variables for R are as described immediately above.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a compound of formula I-III, wherein M is

Wherein p is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and the values and preferred values for the remainder of the variables are as described above for formulas I-III.

The term “alkyl” as used herein means a saturated straight-chain, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon. When straight-chained or branched, an alkyl group is typically C1-C8, more typically C1-C6; when cyclic, an alkyl group is typically C3-C12, more typically C3-C7 alkyl ester. Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, h-butyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl and 1,1-dimethylhexyl.

The term “alkoxy” as used herein is represented by —OR**, wherein R** is an alkyl group as defined above.

The term “acyl” as used herein is represented by —C(O)R**, wherein R** is an alkyl group as defined above.

The term “alkyl ester” as used herein means a group represented by —C(O)OR**, where R** is an alkyl group as defined above.

The term “aromatic group” used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in “aralkyl”, includes carbocyclic aromatic rings and heteroaryl rings. The term “aromatic group” may be used interchangeably with the terms “aryl”, “aryl ring” “aromatic ring”, “aryl group” and “aromatic group”.

Carbocyclic aromatic ring groups have only carbon ring atoms (typically six to fourteen) and include monocyclic aromatic rings such as phenyl and fused polycyclic aromatic ring systems in which a carbocyclic aromatic ring is fused to one or more aromatic rings (carbocyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic). Examples include 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 1-anthracyl and 2-anthracyl. Also included within the scope of the term “carbocyclic aromatic ring”, as it is used herein, is a group in which an aromatic ring is fused to one or more non-aromatic rings (carbocyclic or heterocyclic), such as in an indanyl, phthalimidyl, naphthimidyl, phenanthridinyl, or tetrahydronaphthyl, where the radical or point of attachment is on the aromatic ring.

The term “heteroaryl”, “heteroaromatic”, “heteroaryl ring”, “heteroaryl group” and “heteroaromatic group”, used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in “heteroaralkyl” refers to heteroaromatic ring groups having five to fourteen members, including monocyclic heteroaromatic rings and polycyclic aromatic rings in which a monocyclic aromatic ring is fused to one or more other aromatic ring (carbocyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic). Heteroaryl groups have one or more ring heteroatoms. Examples of heteroaryl groups include 2-furanyl, 3-furanyl, N-imidazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, 5-imidazolyl, 3-isoxazolyl, 4-isoxazolyl, 5-isoxazolyl, 2-oxadiazolyl, 5-oxadiazolyl, 2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl, 3-pyrazolyl, 4-pyrazolyl, 1-pyrrolyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl, 5-pyrimidinyl, 3-pyridazinyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl, 2-triazolyl, 5-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, carbazolyl, 2-benzothienyl, 3-benzothienyl, 2-benzofuranyl, 3-benzofuranyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-quinolinyl, 3-quinolinyl, 2-benzothiazole, 2-benzooxazole, 2-benzimidazole, 2-quinolinyl, 3-quinolinyl, 1-isoquinolinyl, 3-quinolinyl, 1-isoindolyl and 3-isoindolyl. Also included within the scope of the term “heteroaryl”, as it is used herein, is a group in which an aromatic ring is fused to one or more non-aromatic rings (carbocyclic or heterocyclic), where the radical or point of attachment is on the aromatic ring.

The term “heteroatom” means nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur and includes any oxidized form of nitrogen and sulfur, and the quaternized form of any basic nitrogen. Also the term “nitrogen” includes a substitutable nitrogen of a heteroaryl or non-aromatic heterocyclic group. As an example, in a saturated or partially unsaturated ring having 0-3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen, the nitrogen may be N (as in 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrolyl), NH (as in pyrrolidinyl) or NR″ (as in N-substituted pyrrolidinyl), wherein R″ is a suitable substituent for the nitrogen atom in the ring of a non-aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, as defined below.

An “aralkyl group”, as used herein is an alkyl groups substituted with an aryl group as defined above.

An optionally substituted aryl group as defined herein may contain one or more substitutable ring atoms, such as carbon or nitrogen ring atoms. Examples of suitable substituents on a substitutable ring carbon atom of an aryl group include —OH, C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C3 haloalkyl, —NO₂, C1-C3 alkoxy, C1-C3 haloalkoxy, —CN, —NH₂, C1-C3 alkylamino, C1-C3 dialkylamino, —C(O)NH₂, —C(O)NH(C1-C3 alkyl), —C(O)(C1-C3 alkyl), —NHC(O)H, —NHC(O)(C1-C3 alkyl), —C(O)N(C1-C3 alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)O-(C1-C3 alkyl), —C(O)OH, —C(O)O-(C1-C3 alkyl), —NHC(O)NH₂, —NHC(O)NH(C1-C3 alkyl), —NHC(O)N(C1-C3 alkyl)₂, —SO₂NH₂—SO₂NH(C1-C3alkyl), —SO₂N(C1-C3alkyl), NHSO₂H or NHSO₂(C1-C3 alkyl). Preferred substituents on aryl groups are as defined throughout the specification. In certain embodiments optionally substituted aryl groups are unsubstituted

Examples of suitable substituents on a substitutable ring nitrogen atom of an aryl group include C1-C3 alkyl, NH₂, C1-C3 alkylamino, C1-C3 dialkylamino, —C(O)NH₂, —C(O)NH(C1-C3 alkyl), —C(O)(C1-C3 alkyl), —CO₂ R**, —C(O)C(O)R**, —C(O)CH₃, —C(O)OH, —C(O)O-(C1-C3 alkyl), —SO₂NH₂ —SO₂NH(C1-C3alkyl), —SO₂N(C1-C3alkyl)₂, NHSO₂H, NHSO₂(C1-C3 alkyl), —C(═S)NH₂, —C(═S)NH(C1-C3 alkyl), —C(═S)N(C1-C3 alkyl)₂, —C(═NH)—N(H)₂, —C(═NH)—NH(C1-C3 alkyl) and —C(═NH)—N(C1-C3 alkyl)₂,

An optionally substituted alkyl group as defined herein may contain one or more substituents. Examples of suitable substituents for an alkyl group include those listed above for a substitutable carbon of an aryl and the following: ═O, ═S, ═NNHR**, ═NN(R**)₂, ═NNHC(O)R**, ═NNHCO₂ (alkyl), ═NNHSO₂ (alkyl), ═NR**, spiro cycloalkyl group or fused cycloalkyl group. R** in each occurrence, independently is —H or C1-C6 alkyl. Preferred substituents on alkyl groups are as defined throughout the specification. In certain embodiments optionally substituted alkyl groups are unsubstituted.

A “spiro cycloalkyl” group is a cycloalkyl group which shares one ring carbon atom with a carbon atom in an alkylene group or alkyl group, wherein the carbon atom being shared in the alkyl group is not a terminal carbon atom.

Without wishing to be bound by any theory or limited to any mechanism it is believed that macromolecular antioxidants of the present invention exploit the differences in activities (ks, equilibrium constant) of, for example, homo- or hetero-type antioxidant moieties. Antioxidant moieties include, for example, hindered phenolic groups, unhindered phenolic groups, aminic groups and thioester groups, etc. of which there can be one or more present in each macromolecular antioxidant molecule. As used herein a homo-type antioxidant macromolecule comprises antioxidant moieties which are all same, for example, hindered phenolic, —OH groups. As used herein a hetero-type antioxidant macromolecule comprises at least one different type of moiety, for example, hindred phenolic and aminic groups in the one macromolecule.

This difference in activities can be the result of, for example, the substitutions on neighboring carbons or the local chemical or physical environment (for example, due to electrochemical or stereochemical factors) which can be due in part to the macromolecular nature of molecules.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a series of macromolecular antioxidant moieties of the present invention with different chemical structures can be represented by W1H, W2H, W3H, . . . to WnH. In one embodiment of the present invention, two types of antioxidant moieties of the present invention can be represented by: W1H and W2H. In certain embodiments W1H and W2H can have rate constants of k1 and k2 respectively. The reactions involving these moieties and peroxyl radicals can be represented as:

where ROO. is a peroxyl radical resulting from, for example, initiation steps involving oxidation activity, for example: RH→R.+H.  (3) R. +O2→ROO.  (4)

In one particular embodiment of the present invention k1>>k2 in equations (1) and (2). As a result, the reactions would take place in such a way that there is a decrease in concentration of W1. free radicals due their participation in the regeneration of active moiety W2H in the molecule according equation (5): W1. +W2H→W1H+W2. (transfer equilibrium)  (5)

This transfer mechanism may take place either in intra- or inter-molecular macromolecules. The transfer mechanism (5) could take place between moieties residing on the same macromolecule (intra-type) or residing on different macromolecules (inter-type).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the antioxidant properties described immediately above (equation 5) of the macromolecular antioxidants of the present invention result in advantages including, but not limited to:

-   a) Consumption of free radicals W1, according to equation (5) can     result in a decrease of reactions of W1, with hydroperoxides and     hydrocarbons (RH). -   b) The regeneration of W1H provides extended protection of     materials. This is a generous benefit to sacrificial type of     antioxidants that are used today.

Regeneration of W1H assists in combating the oxidation process The increase in the concentration of antioxidant moieties W1H (according to equation 5) extends the shelf life of materials.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the following items are of significant interest for enhanced antioxidant activity in the design of the macromolecular antioxidants of the present invention:

-   a) The activity of proposed macromolecular antioxidant is dependent     on the regeneration of W1 H in equation (5) either through inter- or     intra-molecular activities involving homo- or hetero-type     antioxidant moieties. -   b) Depending on the rates constants of W1H and W2H it is possible to     achieve performance enhancements by many multiples and not just     incremental improvements.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, more than two types of antioxidant moieties with different rate constants are used in the methods of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the present invention pertains to the use of the disclosed compounds to inhibit oxidation in an oxidizable material.

For purposes of the present invention, a method of “inhibiting oxidation” is a method that inhibits the propagation of a free radical-mediated process. Free radicals can be generated by heat, light, ionizing radiation, metal ions and some proteins and enzymes. Inhibiting oxidation also includes inhibiting reactions caused by the presence of oxygen, ozone or another compound capable of generating these gases or reactive equivalents of these gases.

As used herein the term “oxidizable material” is any material which is subject to oxidation by free-radicals or oxidative reaction caused by the presence of oxygen, ozone or another compound capable of generating these gases or reactive equivalents thereof.

Antioxidant compounds of the present invention can be used to prevent oxidation in a wide variety of compositions where free radical mediated oxidation leads to deterioration of the quality of the composition, including edible products such as oils, foods (e.g., meat products, dairy products, cereals, etc.), and other products containing fats or other compounds subject to oxidation. Antioxidant compounds can also be present in plastics and other polymers, elastomers (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber), petroleum products (e.g., fossil fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, heating oil, propane, jet fuel), lubricants, paints, pigments or other colored items, soaps and cosmetics (e.g., creams, lotions, hair products). The antioxidant compounds can be used to coat a metal as a rust and corrosion inhibitor. Antioxidant compounds additionally can protect antioxidant vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E) and pharmaceutical products from degradation. In food products, the antioxidant compounds can prevent rancidity. In plastics, the antioxidant compounds can prevent the plastic from becoming brittle and cracking.

Antioxidant compounds of the present invention can be added to oils to prolong their shelf life and properties. These oils can be formulated as vegetable shortening or margarine. Oils generally come from plant sources and include cottonseed oil, linseed oil, olive oil, palm oil, corn oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, castor oil, coconut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, canola (rapeseed) oil and sesame oil. These oils contain one or more unsaturated fatty acids such as caproleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid, elaidic acid, brassidic acid, erucic acid, nervonic acid, linoleic acid, eleosteric acid, alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid, or partially hydrogenated or trans-hydrogenated variants thereof. Antioxidant compounds of the present invention are also advantageously added to food or other consumable products containing one or more of these fatty acids.

The shelf life of many materials and substances contained within the materials, such as packaging materials, are enhanced by the presence of an antioxidant compound of the present invention. The addition of an antioxidant compound to a packaging material is believed to provide additional protection to the product contained inside the package. In addition, the properties of many packaging materials themselves, particularly polymers, are enhanced by the presence of an antioxidant regardless of the application (i.e., not limited to use in packaging). Common examples of packaging materials include paper, cardboard and various plastics and polymers. A packaging material can be coated with an antioxidant compound (e.g., by spraying the antioxidant compound or by applying as a thin film coating), blended with or mixed with an antioxidant compound, or otherwise have an antioxidant compound present within it.

The entire teachings of each of the following applications are incorporated herein by reference:

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In another particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing compounds of the present invention. Compounds of the present invention can be prepared by a one pot process, comprising the step of combining a phenol containing compound with a suitable phosphorous containing compound in a suitable solvent under conditions suitable for the reaction of the phenol containing compound with the phosphorous containing compound.

Suitable phenol containing compounds include:

where the vales and preferred values for the variables are as described above.

Suitable phosphorous containing compounds are those which are capable of reacting with phenol containing compounds to produce compounds represented by Structural Formula I-III, including, for example, phosphorous trichloride, phosphorous pentachloride, phosphoric acid and phosphoryl trichloride.

Suitable solvents are those which do not contain any acidic protons and dissolve the starting material and the side products, but do not dissolve the end product. Examples of suitable solvents include, for example, dichloromethane, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, chloroform, dioxane and acetonitrile.

In certain embodiments, the reaction of the phenol containing compound with the phosphorous containing compound occurs at 25° C. In other embodiments, the reaction of the phenol containing compound with the phosphorous containing compound occurs below 25° C. In other embodiments, the reaction of the phenol containing compound with the phosphorous containing compound occurs at a temperature between 25° C. and 0° C. In other embodiments, the reaction of the phenol containing compound with the phosphorous containing compound occurs at a temperature between 15° C. and 0° C. In other embodiments, the reaction of the phenol containing compound with the phosphorous containing compound occurs at a temperature between 5° C. and 0° C. In other embodiments, the reaction of the phenol containing compound with the phosphorous containing compound occurs at 0° C.

In certain embodiment, the reaction of the phenol containing compound with the phosphorous containing compound takes place under a nitrogen atmosphere.

In certain embodiments the reaction takes place over 5 hours. In certain other embodiment the reaction takes place in less than 5 hours. In certain other embodiments the reaction takes place in one hour. In certain other embodiment the reaction takes place in less than one hour. In certain other embodiments the reaction takes place for a period of 30 to 40 minutes.

In certain embodiment after completion of the reaction the suitable solvent is removed by distillation

In certain other embodiments after the suitable solvent is distilled off, the compound of the present invention are purified via crystallization using techniques known in the art.

In certain embodiments, after crystallization, the crystals are further filtered and washed using techniques known in the art.

Scheme 1 is a representative example of the synthesis of a compound of the present invention.

The macromolecular antioxidant S was synthesized by one pot reaction of phenol with phosphorous trichloride using dichloromethane as a solvent at 0° C. The yield of the title compound was more than 95%.

The following is an example of one embodiment of the invention and is not to be considered limiting in any way.

In one embodiment the sterically hindered phenol and phosphate based antioxidant is:

EXEMPLIFICATION Example 1 Preparation of tris [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl),-3-(2,6-di-tert.-butyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionamide]phosphite, S

A 1 L two-necked round bottom flask equipped with a thermometer, a dropping funnel and a nitrogen inlet was charged with 100 g (0.271 mole) of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(2,6-di-tert-butyl, 4-hydroxy phenyl)propionamide, 22 ml (0.271 mole) pyridine in 200 ml of dichloromethane. 7.86 ml(9.033 mmol) of phosphorous trichloride was then added dropwise at a temperature of 0 to 5° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for a period of 30 to 40 minutes. After the addition, the funnel was removed and completion of the reaction was checked by TLC/HPLC. After completion, the dichloromethane was distilled out at 40° C. To the residue was added 100 ml of methanol to get white crystalline precipitate, which was then filtered and washed several times with cold methanol. The product was characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The melting point is in the range of 224-245° C.

Example 2 Stabilization of polypropylene by tris [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl),-3-(2,6-di-tert.-butyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionamide]phosphite S

1000 ppm of S was added to unstabilized polypropylene powder and extruded with single screw extruder in the form wires which was then palletized using a pelletizer. The pelltized sample of polypropylene was subjected to an accelerated oxidative stability test using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) (ASTM D3895 method).

The results are shown in FIG. 1, which shows that tris [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl),-3-(2,6-di-tert.-butyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionamide]phosphite has a significantly higher oxidative induction time than commercially available Irganox®.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. 

1. A compound represented by a structural formula selected from I-III:

wherein:

R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aralkyl; X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —O—, —NH—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—; n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 or a positive integer, i and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and R″ is an optionally substituted alkyl.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is represented by structural formula I.
 3. The compound of claim 2, wherein: R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is an integer from 0 to
 12. 4. The compound of claim 3, wherein: R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl; and and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1 or
 2. 5. The compound of claim 4, wherein R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is an integer from 0 to
 6. 6. The compound of claim 5, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond or —CH₂—.
 7. The compound of claim 5, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —O— or —CH₂—.
 8. The compound of claim 5, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NH— or —CH₂—.
 9. The compound of claim 5, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)NH— or —CH₂—.
 10. The compound of claim 5, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NHC(O)—, or —CH₂—.
 11. The compound of claim 5, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)O— or —CH₂—.
 12. The compound of claim 5, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—.
 13. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is represented by structural formula II.
 14. The compound of claim 13, wherein: R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is an integer from 0 to
 12. 15. The compound of claim 14, wherein: R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl; and i and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1 or
 2. 16. The compound of claim 15, wherein R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is an integer from 0 to
 6. 17. The compound of claim 16, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond or —CH₂—.
 18. The compound of claim 16, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —O— or —CH₂—.
 19. The compound of claim 16, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NH— or —CH₂—.
 20. The compound of claim 16, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)NH— or —CH₂—.
 21. The compound of claim 16, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NHC(O)—, or —CH₂—.
 22. The compound of claim 16, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)O— or —CH₂—.
 23. The compound of claim 16, wherein: X and Y are independently a bond, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—.
 24. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is represented by structural formula III.
 25. The compound of claim 24, wherein: R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 to
 12. 26. The compound of claim 25, wherein: R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl; and i and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1 or
 2. 27. The compound of claim 26, wherein R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is an integer from 0 to
 6. 28. The compound of claim 27, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond or —CH₂—.
 29. The compound of claim 27, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —O— or —CH₂—.
 30. The compound of claim 27, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NH— or —CH₂—.
 31. The compound of claim 27, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)NH— or —CH₂—.
 32. The compound of claim 27, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NHC(O)—, or —CH₂—.
 33. The compound of claim 27, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)O— or —CH₂—.
 34. The compound of claim 27, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—.
 35. A method of preventing oxidation comprising combining an oxidizable material with a compound represented by a structural formula selected from I-III:

wherein:

R is: R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl; X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —O—, —NH—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—; n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 or a positive integer. i and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and R″ is an optionally substituted alkyl.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the compound is represented by structural formula I.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein: R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is an integer from 0 to
 12. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein: R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl; and i and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1 or
 2. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 to
 6. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond or —CH₂—.
 41. The method of claim 39, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —O— or —CH₂—.
 42. The method of claim 39, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NH— or —CH₂—.
 43. The method of claim 39, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)NH— or —CH₂—.
 44. The method of claim 39, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NHC(O)—, or —CH₂—.
 45. The method of claim 39, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)O— or —CH₂—.
 46. The method of claim 39, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—.
 47. The method of claim 35, wherein the compound is represented by structural formula II.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein: R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 to
 12. 49. The method of claim 48, wherein: R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl; and i and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1 or
 2. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 to
 6. 51. The method of claim 50, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond or —CH₂—.
 52. The method of claim 50, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —O— or —CH₂—.
 53. The method of claim 50, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NH— or —CH₂—.
 54. The method of claim 50, wherein:. X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)NH— or —CH₂—.
 55. The method of claim 50, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NHC(O)—, or —CH₂—.
 56. The method of claim 50, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)O— or —CH₂—.
 57. The method of claim 50, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—.
 58. The method of claim 35, wherein the compound is represented by structural formula III.
 59. The method of claim 58, wherein: R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is an integer from 0 to
 12. 60. The method of claim 59, wherein: R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl; and i and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1 or
 2. 61. The method of claim 60, wherein R is:

wherein: n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 to
 6. 62. The method of claim 61, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond or —CH₂—.
 63. The method of claim 61, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —O— or —CH₂—.
 64. The method of claim 61, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NH— or —CH₂—.
 65. The method of claim 61, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)NH— or —CH₂—.
 66. The method of claim 61, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —NHC(O)—, or —CH₂—.
 67. The method of claim 61, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —C(O)O— or —CH₂—.
 68. The method of claim 61, wherein: X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—.
 69. A method of synthesizing a macromonomer represented by a structural formula selected from I-III:

wherein: R is:

R₁ and R₂ in each occurrence, independently is an optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl; X and Y in each occurrence, independently is a bond, —O—, —NH—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—; n and m in each occurrence, independently is 0 or a positive integer; i and j in each occurrence, independently is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and R″ is an optionally substituted alkyl; comprising the step of mixing R⁺⁺ with a phosphorous containing compound, wherein R⁺⁺ is:

in a solvent and under conditions that cause at least partial reaction of R⁺⁺ with the phosphorous containing compound.
 70. The method of claim 69, wherein the compound is represented by structural formula I.
 71. The method of claim 70, wherein the phosphorous containing compound is phosphorous trichloride.
 72. The method of claim 71, wherein the solvent includes dichloromethane.
 73. The method of claim 72, wherein R⁺⁺ and the phosphorous containing compound are mixed at a temperature in a range of between about 5° C. and about −5° C.
 74. The method of claim 73, wherein R⁺⁺ and the phosphorous containing compound are mixed at a temperature of about 0° C. 